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Wednesday, November 7, 2012

NISSAN Leaf - A Step in Electric Cars !!!

The Nissan Leaf (also formatted "LEAF" as a backronym for Leading, Environmentally friendly, Affordable, Family car) is a five-door hatchback electric car manufactured by Nissan and introduced in Japan and the United States in December 2010. The US Environmental Protection Agency official range is 117 kilometres (73 mi), with an energy consumption of 765 kilojoules per kilometre (34 kW·h/100 mi) and rated the Leaf's combined fuel economy at 99 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (2.4 L/100 km). The Leaf has a range of 175 km (109 mi) on the New European Driving Cycle.

Interior ~ Leaf

Nissan LEAF® Electric Car: 100% electric. Zero gas. Zero tailpipe

Deliveries to customers began in the United States and Japan in late 2010, in Ireland and the UK in early 2011. As of August 2012 the Leaf deliveries had also taken place in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, and global market availability is expected for 2012. U.S. production is scheduled to begin by late 2012, and UK production is planned for 2013. Since December 2010 more than 40,000 units have been sold worldwide through October 2012, making the Leaf the world's top selling electric car.The top selling markets are Japan, with 17,710 units sold through August 2012, the United States, with 16,484 units sold through October 2012, and Europe with more than 5,000 units delivered, led by Norway with 2,429 Leafs sold by October 2012, followed by the UK with 1,051 units through September 2012, and the Netherlands with 533 units sold through October 2012.

Environmental Friendly

As an all-electric car, the Nissan Leaf produces no tailpipe pollution or greenhouse gas emissions at the point of operation, and reduces dependence on petroleum.Among other awards and recognition, the Nissan Leaf won the 2010 Green Car Vision Award,the 2011 European Car of the Year,the 2011 World Car of the Year,and the 2011-2012 Car of the Year Japan.

Review:

The 2012 Nissan Leaf ranks 5 out of 10 Upscale Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 39 published reviews and test drives of the Nissan Leaf, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2012 Nissan Leaf is kind to the environment, but a lot of shoppers may find its limited range and cramped interior hard to live with.

Scorecard

Most reviewers will tell you that the 2012 Nissan Leaf has a lot going for it. Its price is good for an electric car, it’s loaded with standard features, and to the surprise of reviewers, it accelerates and brakes a lot like gasoline-powered cars shoppers are used to. But many praises end there because the Leaf’s powertrain and interior space limit its practicality.

Exterior Photo

Because the Leaf is all-electric, it isn’t powered by gasoline. In most cases, that means owners must charge the Nissan Leaf before they leave home, which can take up to 20 hours without an optional quick charging station. Once charged, the Leaf’s maximum range on one charge is 73 miles, according to the EPA. This number can change based on how many people are in the car, the weather and how much cargo you’re carrying. Seventy-three miles may sound good, but if your battery drains, you could be in a tight spot. Distance and range issues aside, the Leaf also gets complaints for its tight rear seats, small cargo space for a hatchback and confusing interior technology.